Wiltshire towns choose first citizens

Familiar faces will be seen at civic events in four west Wiltshire towns this year as the former mayors of Westbury, Warminster and Melksham take up office for another term and Bradford on Avon mayor John Potter for a third consecutive year.

Westbury deputy mayor Christine Mitchell has replaced David Windess as mayor for the next year, three years after she last held the post.

She said: “The first meeting you take you’re always a bit nervous, but having done it before, I do find it a little bit easier now.

“The things we have to look forward to are the summer street fair and concert, which is bi-annual, and gives something back to the people of Westbury.

“We also have our annual Christmas event at the end of November with the lights switch-on, which is always very well attended, and is our way of saying thank you to the town.”

Deputy mayor of Westbury Andrew Davis, who also sits on Wiltshire Council, was appointed town mayor on Monday.

He said: “I have lived in the same house in Warminster all my life, so it is a huge honour to be mayor of my home town for a second time.

“I look forward, with the help of my wife, to representing Warminster at the many events ahead.

“I already have a full diary of things to do; I went to my first engagement on Wednesday, which was a celebration of the youth of Warminster and West-bury, which was excellent.”

Councillors in Melksham selected Terri Welch to be the town’s next mayor – she was mayor in 2004 – and said: “I think it will be an interesting year ahead. There are things that are coming to Melksham – new football and rugby facilities and the new cut of the canal, which will be fantastic, as well as the new campus. I am really looking forward to leading the town.”

In Bradford, Cllr Potter was voted into office at last week’s annual town council meeting, with Cllr Alison Craddock voted unanimously as deputy mayor.

Trowbridge Town Council is due to select mayor David Halik’s replacement on Tuesday.